Folks, Can anyone confirm that the Micro-Trains coupler conversion for the new Athearn FP45 (F45) is #1015/1016? I have found that the factory installed couplers (McHenry's) are mounted to high by about half. I have installed some Micro-Trains #2001's with spacers which I already had, but I think the # 1015/1016's would work better. Thanks in advance to any one who answers. Nick
From the pic's that steve4painting put up on the Atlas forum it looks like a 1015 is the right replacement which would go in line with the SD's they put out earlier. Also from the pics you can see all the inner workings and what looks to be the hole for the speaker.
Why change the coupler at all? The Mchenery looks and performs well with any other brand. Seems to be a waste of time and effort. I have 3 of the ATSF FP45's and have not found any of the couplers mounted too high. I like MT couplers but i'm not going to change what works. Dave
Dave, Must be QC variation. The McHenry's on my FP45 were significantly out of height spec.... so much so that uncoupling from a string of Kato ATSF corrugated passenger cars was happening about 75% of the time. They did not line up with anything else as well. As a general comment, I have not had good experience with Accumates or Kato knuckle couplers (except their static Bethgon couplers) over the years. I have no experience with McHenry's other than this. Generally, I replace all couplers with Microtrain couplers when I get a chance. Nick
This is off topic but about these engines. I inserted round toothpicks as with Kato F units to remove the body. Slid right off. Remove couplers first.
My three BN F45's McHenry couplers are all too high. Very disappointing. I was anxious to use the McHenry, hoping it would be the true answer to the slinky effect. I'm going to try to put in some spacers before committing to a change to MT couplers.
I also found the McHenry couplers sitting a bit high and replaced them with MT 1015 couplers. Cheers,
I just installed my MT 1015's and they are high, too. I feel like a big DUH! So, what has anyone been doing to get the right height? There is barely room for the coupler, let alone any shims. Do I need to make the receiving hole bigger?
It's not as much of a problem to lower them as one might think. A shim and if need be file out the coupler pocket and you are at the right height. Someone was in search mode in order to find this. Nice work.
I actually like the McHenrys. I need to check to see if I need a shim. If I do, I think I will just make one.
